Keloids are a type of raised scar that can develop after skin injury. While these scars can appear anywhere on the body, they may form in the belly button area due to specific types of trauma.
Understanding Belly Button Keloids
A keloid is an overgrowth of dense, fibrous scar tissue that forms following skin trauma. Unlike typical scars, keloids expand beyond the boundaries of the initial injury due to excessive collagen production during healing. They differ from hypertrophic scars, which remain within the wound’s confines and may diminish. Keloids persist and do not usually regress spontaneously. While benign, they can cause cosmetic concern, itching, pain, or tenderness.
Causes and Appearance
Belly button keloids often arise from specific skin trauma, like umbilical piercings or surgical incisions (e.g., laparoscopy, umbilical hernia repair). Minor trauma or spontaneous development can also cause them. Genetics play a significant role, with individuals of South Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean, or Black African origin, or those with a family history, being more susceptible.
A belly button keloid typically appears as a raised, firm, smooth, and often shiny growth. Its color varies from reddish, purplish, skin-toned, brown, or darker than surrounding skin. These scars can develop months to years after injury and may feel itchy or painful while growing.
Professional Treatment Approaches
Professional medical intervention is often required for belly button keloids, with combination therapies frequently being most effective. Corticosteroid injections are a common first-line treatment, reducing inflammation and inhibiting excessive collagen production. Patients typically receive monthly injections for several months to flatten the scar.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, destroying abnormal tissue. This method can reduce the keloid’s size and soften it, though repeat treatments are often necessary.
Laser treatment, particularly pulsed-dye lasers, can reduce redness, improve texture, and flatten keloids. It is often combined with other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, for enhanced results.
Surgical excision physically removes the keloid, but carries a high recurrence rate if not combined with other therapies. To minimize recurrence, surgery is often followed immediately by treatments like radiation therapy or corticosteroid injections.
For keloids resistant to initial treatments, other intralesional injections may be considered. These include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, and Verapamil injections to reduce fibrous tissue production. A dermatologist can determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on keloid characteristics and individual history.
At-Home Care and Prevention
Consistent at-home care can complement professional treatments. Compression therapy, using specialized garments or dressings, applies consistent pressure to flatten the keloid by reducing blood flow and slowing collagen production, especially effective after surgical removal to prevent recurrence.
Silicone products (sheets or gels) are a standard recommendation. Daily application helps hydrate the scar, modulate collagen production, and reduce inflammation, leading to a softer, flatter appearance. Gentle massage techniques can also soften scar tissue.
Protecting the keloid from sun exposure is important, as UV radiation can cause discoloration; use sunscreen on the affected area. For individuals prone to keloids, prevention is key. Avoid elective procedures like belly button piercings. Proper wound care for any trauma or surgical incision is crucial to minimize scar formation, including keeping the wound clean. Keloids can recur, so ongoing management is often necessary.